UNIVERSITY POLICY
Political Campaign Events and Partisan Political Activities at
Savannah State University
Rule Statement
Savannah State University is a state supported public institution of higher
education. The responsibility for educating and training the future leaders of the
state and nation carries with it a duty to adhere to the highest ethical standards and
principles. In fulfilling its multiple missions as an institution of higher education,
Savannah State University encourages the free exchange of ideas. The University
will protect the freedoms of speech, expression, petition, and peaceful assembly,
while maintaining its right to impose reasonable time, place, and manner
restrictions concerning acts of expression and dissent.
Official Rule/ Responsibilities/ Process
1. INSTITUTIONAL NEUTRALITY
In order to maintain its integrity as a public institution, it is critical that Savannah
State maintain neutrality in regard to any partisan political activity. Savannah State
University cannot endorse, support or promote any political candidate (either
incumbents or new office seekers, members of their staffs, or their campaign
representatives) or any partisan political activity. Further, it is the intent and
expectation of Savannah State University that all faculty, staff, and students avoid
any behavior that could reasonably be interpreted as official University
endorsement, support, or promotion of political candidates or partisan political
activities. Nothing in these rules should be construed to limit the right or ability of
any member of the University community to express personal opinions or to
exercise his or her right to engage in political activities outside his or her official
capacity or affiliation with the University.
2. USE OF UNIVERSITY FUNDS, SERVICES OR FACILITIES
No Savannah State University employee shall expend or authorize the expenditure
of any University funds, services, or supplies for the purpose of influencing the
outcome of any election, or partisan political activity.
Political candidates (either incumbents or new office seekers, members of their
staffs, or their campaign representatives) are not permitted to reserve University
facilities for political campaign events. An area on campus may be reserved in
accordance with the University Rules on Freedom of Expression
3. USE OF SYMBOLS, INSIGNIA, OR MARKS
Savannah State University prohibits the use of any of its symbols, insignias, or other
identifying marks in association with any activity that involves the endorsement,
support, or promotion of political candidates or partisan political activities. For
purposes of this rule, the prohibition includes, but is not necessarily limited to, all
registered marks and all official insignia, uniforms, landmarks, or licensed songs
that may be reasonably identified with Savannah State University. This prohibition
also includes any University affiliated organizations that officially represent the
institution, such as the band and athletic teams. University affiliated organizations
will be determined by the Vice President for Student Affairs.
4. RECOGNIZED STUDENT ORGANIZATION SPONSORSHIP OF CAMPAIGN EVENTS
In the spirit of maintaining a “marketplace of ideas,” officially recognized student
organizations may sponsor partisan political activities or events on campus in
accordance with all applicable University rules as set forth in the Savannah State
University Student Handbook. In sponsoring a partisan political activity on campus,
a recognized student organization or group of organizations must be responsible for
communicating and collaborating with appropriate university officials about the
event and cannot delegate any responsibility for the event to non-student
organizations unless mutually agreed upon by appropriate university officials, the
sponsoring organization, and the office of the Vice President for Student Affairs.
5. DISCLAIMER STATEMENT
Savannah State University reserves the right to require that a statement be made
prior to the presentation of any speaker that the views expressed are not
necessarily those of the institution or the sponsoring group.
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